[12/19/06 - 09:11 AM]AMC to Remake 1960s Classic Sci-Fi Thriller the PrisonerProduction on the network's first original sci-fi series in its 20 year history is scheduled to begin in spring 2007.

[via press release from AMC]

AMC TO REMAKE 1960s CLASSIC SCI-FI THRILLER THE PRISONER

Network to Co Produce Project with UK�s Sky One and Granada International

New Dramatic Series Continues Network�s Unique Programming Focus to Deliver a Diverse Range of Genre Based Originals

New York, NY � December 19, 2006 � In an effort to further develop and define its distinct cinematic blueprint for bold original television programming, AMC announced today that it will remake the 1960s groundbreaking television classic, The Prisoner. The project will provide the network with its first original Sci-Fi series in its 20 year history and expand its efforts to deliver a diverse range of genre based high quality originals. Over the last year, AMC has made a series of programming investments aimed at building a unique original slate that celebrates influential cinematic content categories. Today�s announcement now joins a diverse list of originals that include: Broken Trail (Western); Hustle (Caper); Mad Men (Period Drama); and Breaking Bad (Crime), all announced in 2006.

In the 1960s The Prisoner helped permanently alter the scope of the Sci-Fi genre. Through the work of Patrick McGoohan, who created, produced, wrote, directed and starred in the title role, the series became one of television�s most acclaimed and influential programs. AMC will co-produce the new one-hour series with UK�s Granada and Sky One, with a worldwide premiere in January 2008. Granada International will distribute the series worldwide. Produced by Michelle Buck and Damien Timmer of UK producer Granada, the new series will be written by Bill Gallagher (Conviction, Clocking Off ) and will showcase the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen in McGoohan�s enigmatic original. Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2007.

�As we come to the end of an exciting year of record ratings, today�s announcement ensures AMC will be marching into 2007 with an extremely strong lineup of original projects,� stated Charlie Collier, AMC�s General Manager and Executive Vice President. "AMC is committed to creating an environment where the quality and focus of our original programming matches the iconic films that the network has showcased for over 20 years. Instead of looking to reality television and game shows for programming, AMC is investing more aggressively than ever before in event originals like The Prisoner, and it is our mission to bring new life to these classic genres, while ensuring a cinematic style of storytelling is developed on television.�

�The Prisoner redefined what was possible in the Sci-Fi/Thriller category and remains on of the most iconic classics of our time,� stated AMC's Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, Rob Sorcher. �AMC�s new series will stay true to the conceptual and visual brilliance of the original and will provide a new generation with an understanding and appreciation of Patrick McGoohan�s work.�

The Prisoner will tell a story similar to the original series, as it follows a man who finds himself inexplicably trapped in The Village, with no memory of how he arrived. As he frantically explores his environment, he discovers that its inhabitants are identified by number instead of by name, have no memory of a prior existence or outside civilization, and are under constant surveillance by a repressive authority. Not knowing who to trust, Number Six is driven by the desperate need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly, how he can survive and escape to his previous life.

About AMC

AMC, a division of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services, which also includes WE tv and IFC Companies, is a 24-hour, movie-based network, dedicated to the American movie fan. The network, which reaches over 89,000,000 homes, offers a comprehensive library of popular movies and a critically-acclaimed slate of original programming that is a diverse, movie-based mix of original series, documentaries and specials. AMC has garnered many of the industry's highest honors, including 14 Emmy awards. AMC is "TV for movie people."

About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.

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